Key points from the BBC World Service 2010 announcement
These changes will ensure BBC World Service maintains its cherished position as the world’s leading international broadcaster.
They add up to a step change in the way we provide news and information to audiences – through a bolder multi-media presence.
These changes anticipate changing audience needs, and the development of new technology in many of our markets.
Our editorial values remain unchanged but always need restating. To provide quality news and information that people trust, which stands out for its independence, authority and objectivity and to be an open forum for global debate – a global conversation. That’s our mission – it’s what gives us our strong, international reputation.
BBC World Service has clear target audiences: influential opinion formers and decision makers, people who need news and information in developing markets and people in dire need who use lifeline services. We will help each service determine how they reach out to the appropriate audience for them.
Services in English are the bedrock of our core global offer: available on television, radio, online and new platforms.
A package of radical new investment is being announced which includes: an Arabic TV service (the first publicly funded BBC international vernacular TV service) increased depth and presence in new media, including interactivity and video on demand increased funding for FM distribution increased marketing the modernisation of our international bureaux.
We will also explore the possibilities of television services – with partners – in other languages.
The BBC has a strong voice in the Middle East, trusted and respected for its journalism and independence. Repeated audience research shows that 80-90% of those surveyed would be likely to use a BBC Arabic television service, which incorporate these values and is well-produced.
Extra external funding is not available for these changes. BBC World Service is therefore redirecting approximately 20% of its operating budget into these high priority activities and to cover future rising costs.
Ten language services will close – Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Greek, Hungarian, Kazakh, Polish, Slovak, Slovene and Thai. All of them have done an excellent job serving their listeners over many years. The European and other services, by acting as a standard setter in broadcast journalism, have contributed to building freedoms now enjoyed by citizens and media in their own countries. This is their lasting legacy.
Treating staff fairly – In the UK, we will honour the BBC wider ACAS agreement for all staff facing compulsory redundancy as a result of the changes announced today. Outside the UK, we will be generous, but have to respect local employment laws. Staff affected by these changes will be treated fairly and within the spirit of the ACAS agreement.
|
